Reading the Word
Psalm 45:10–17 (ESV)
10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. 12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. 13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. 16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Understanding and Applying the Word
As we read thee verses, we read the portrayal of a wedding where the bride is led to her husband, who is the king. In this psalm the king is of the line of David. In Hebrews 1:8-9, this psalm is quoted as a reference to Jesus Christ, the true Davidic King who is the promised Messiah.
In the New Testament, the Church is said to be the bride of Christ. We see this imagery in multiple places, including Ephesians 5:25-32 and 2 Corinthians 11:2. Many interpreters have seen this psalm as speaking of the beauty and love of Jesus Christ as he is united in unity with his people. Given the quotation from Hebrews 1:8-9, I too would understand it in this way. We, the Church, the people of God, are the bride of Christ. He loved us so much that he laid down his life for us. Let us adore him for his love and majesty and beauty!
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